Very romantic marriage proposal. Photo courtesy Chloe Moore Photography

Budgeting is a big part of the proposal planning process, and when you’re getting ready to pop the question, you may be worried about the financial aspect. How much will you need to spend?

The truth is that every proposal is individual, and the amount of money required will vary drastically depending on the type of proposal and the way it is planned.

Simple

A simple proposal such as a picnic, restaurant meal, or day trip will usually be a very economical choice. Beyond the ring, expenses will depend on what you choose to buy. If you go out of town, factor in transportation costs. If you’re going to a restaurant, choose a venue within your budget and plan on ordering from the more expensive end of the menu. Overall, expect a smaller, more private proposal to run around $200-$300.

Spendy

Perhaps you want to propose at an upscale club, on a private New York rooftop, or on a weekend trip to a ritzy resort? This is obviously going to require you to bring a little more money to the table. Although a frugally-minded person may be able to bargain hunt and create a stunningly luscious proposal for $500, a more reasonable expectation may be in the $1000-$2000 range, especially if you want to rent a private venue or travel far enough that train tickets or airfare may be in order.

Sumptuous

For some, only the best will do- and the best can mean anything from renting an entire building to hiring a team of actors or professional dancers to create fantasy-turned-real for their sweetheart. Even if you’re planning a more homegrown proposal, such as a flash mob or lip-synched musical number featuring your friends and family, it’s good manners to provide your helpers with a meal to celebrate after the proposal is done, and this can really add up. If you’re planning an unforgettable event of this caliber, plan to spend more- sometimes a lot more. A stunning proposal in this category will probably cost upwards of $2000.

If you want the ideal proposal, but don’t want to break the bank, one area you definitely should not skimp on is the proposal planner. An experienced proposal planner will help you find exactly what you need at the best price, and can recommend trusted affiliates that will do the job right. Winging it on your own can be expensive, and a few mistakes will cost far more than a couple of hours with a competent planner.

If you’re ready to start hammering out the details of your marriage proposal- financial and otherwise- contact The Heart Bandits. They’ll make sure that your proposal is perfect– and that it comes in under budget.